A Mexican judge dismissed charges against Father Manzo in the mid-1990s,
even though the priest told police he fondled a boy and witnesses provided
corroborating testimony.

Currently

He serves in a remote region of Oaxaca, a state in southern Mexico.

Chávez

History

Despite repeated allegations of abuse, Salesian officials let Father
Manzo continue to work in the mid-1990s as dorm supervisor at their children's
home in León, Mexico. The staff psychologist, Alejandro García,
said that several boys reported abuse to him and that the priest admitted
one incident. Father Manzo's direct boss, the Rev. Juan Manuel Gutiérrez,
later told police that he had referred Father Manzo for therapy because
of his "weakness." But the order's regional leader at the time,
the Rev. Pascual Chávez, refused to remove Father Manzo, Mr. García
said. The psychologist said he ultimately was fired for complaining too
forcefully, while Father Chávez became the Salesians' international
leader in Rome. One boy made allegations to criminal justice authorities
and others gave supporting statements, but Judge Jesús Luna dismissed
the case for lack of evidence. In an interview with The News,
he noted that Father Manzo denied abusing the accuser. The judge said
another boy, whom the suspect had admitted abusing, didn't press charges.
After the case was dismissed, the priest was sent to Guinea, in West Africa,
then returned to Mexico, according to church sources. Church officials
largely declined to comment, although one denied that Father Manzo had
left the country.

The Priest Says

Father Manzo could not be located for comment and did not respond to
messages left with residents of the village where he is based, San Antonio
de las Palmas.

The Salesians Say

His bishop in Oaxaca, Felipe Gallardo, is a Salesian but said he didn't
know about Father Manzo's past. The Rev. Héctor Guerrero, leader
of the Salesian region of Mexico where Father Manzo formerly worked, said
the priest was "very hurt" by the criminal case and now reports
"directly to Rome." Father Chávez did not respond to
interview requests.